The Persian Wars

The Persian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, occurring mainly in the 5th century BCE. The wars began when Persia sought to expand its influence in Greece, notably after supporting the Ionian Revolt. Key battles include the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE), where Athens achieved a surprising victory, and the Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis (480 BCE), where a united Greek resistance halted Persian advances. The wars ended with a Greek triumph, leading to the rise of Athens and the formation of the Delian League, significantly influencing Western history and civilization.